Keep going. Stay away. Stop looking at her. However, he knew the man couldn't hear his silent commands. A sudden urge to stand between the stranger and the sleeping girl filled his chest—an odd impulse he couldn't fully understand. It was definitely related to the way the stranger was staring at the girl. Malicious and utterly repulsive. It even drew a bitter smirk on the corner of Remi's mouth. He wished to lift his head toward the heavens.

Is this why I'm here? His silent question received no divine answer.

When the man got closer to her than he should, Remi's mind emptied, and it was like glass shattering on the floor. He rushed out.

"Hey! Your sandwich!" The guy at the register shouted.

"Any problem?" Remi approached them, speaking loudly.

His rough voice carried with the wind, startling the man. The boy pulled an empty chair, sat in front of the sleeping girl, placing his soda can on the table. The man, still standing, stared at him in disbelief. Remi hardened his expression at the stranger. "I'm going to ask again. Any problem?"

"I-I thought she was alone. You know how dangerous it is here?" The man asked suggestively, malice undoubtedly hidden beneath his tongue.

"Yeah. I can see the concern on your face, but she's not alone. Why don't you go on your way now?"

The man shrunk.

"Oh, yes, yes..." he scratched his beard while nodding.

The stranger began to walk away, leaving cowardly. Remi still looked back, watching him disappear. The guy took a deep breath, releasing the disgust that had been trapped in his chest. He noticed the girl was still asleep. He squinted, incredulous. He wondered what would have happened if he hadn't been there? He wondered, what happened in the dream?

Then, he noticed. There was something in her hand. Remi could see the name written on the vial: Choi Allegra.

He put his elbows on the table and clasped his hands together, pulling more and more air into his body. He inflated like a balloon. He closed his eyes, feeling the weight of sleep on his eyelids. Upon opening them again, the two dark coffee orbs sparkled in the darkness. He picked up the soda can with his hand, opened it, and swallowed all the liquid in one go. Remi then returned the can to the table and slid it slightly closer to her head. He placed his right hand on top of the aluminum can and crushed it against the surface. The noise echoed, and the girl startled, waking up from a dream or perhaps a nightmare.

She lifted her head, still drowsy, gradually orienting herself. Remi waited for the girl to notice him. Her hair flew away from her face, revealing her appearance. They exchanged glances. Her face still seemed asleep; he felt hesitant about questioning her. Irresponsible, how can someone put themselves in danger like this?

For no reason, the dark gaze still staring at him caused him some unease. It was as if the sparkling spheres that looked at him—so different from his, didn't deserve his indignation, didn't deserve screams or words that could hurt. It was a peaceful gaze, with not much to say. Almost astonished, hidden. A look in flight and unusually deep. How could he feel this way about someone he didn't even know?

Again, Remi imagined that women were innate conquerors. However, it was of little use. He didn't care about the rudeness. Remi looked indifferent to the sky, seeing that the day was about to dawn.

As she said nothing, he declared first out loud:

"Are you out of your mind? What kind of person puts themselves in danger like this?! Don't you know it's dangerous for a girl to wander around here alone?"

She swallowed his words, absorbing them slowly. It had been harsh, but necessary.

"Do we know each other?" she asked. The tone of her voice was low, almost a whisper. The boy could understand that question.

"No," Remi replied.

"Why did you talk to me as if we knew each other?" Her words sounded like a genuine question. She seemed scared, even if she didn't show it.

You're right, he concluded in thought, I don't know you.